Press release from the Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission:

The Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission has won the Location Managers Guild International Award for Outstanding Film Commission/Office for its work supporting the production of “One Battle After Another.”

The award was presented during the 13th Annual LMGI Awards ceremony at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica, California, on Saturday, August 22. The Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission was selected from an international field of finalists representing some of the world’s most prominent filming destinations.

“To be seen and recognized by location managers, the people we work alongside and support, means the world to us,” said Cassandra Hesseltine, Humboldt Del Norte Film Commissioner and current president of Film Liaisons in California Statewide. “Location professionals understand the years of relationship building, problem solving and community coordination that happen behind the scenes to make filming possible. Receiving this recognition from them is an incredible honor.”

Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another” brought a major motion picture production to Humboldt County in January 2024. During its time in the region, the production spent approximately $2.1 million in direct local dollars, made 990 local hires and worked with more than 90 local vendors.

“This is what production brings to a community,” Hesseltine said. “It creates economic stimulus, jobs and opportunities for local businesses. But the impact goes beyond dollars. Movies become part of our quality of life and part of our community’s identity. People form emotional attachments to the films made here, and there is a real sense of pride and bragging rights that comes from seeing our home on the big screen.”

The relationship between the Film Commission and the production began long before filming. Hesseltine’s first meeting regarding the project took place in April 2019, before the pandemic. Nearly five years passed between that initial meeting and filming in Humboldt County, making it the longest Hesseltine has ever been connected to a production before cameras began rolling.

“Productions often begin with a conversation years before a crew arrives,” Hesseltine said. “This project is a powerful example of why long-term relationships and persistence matter. To see it finally film here, witness its impact on our community and then receive this recognition is incredibly meaningful.”

The Film Commission supported the production throughout its time in the region, connecting the filmmakers with local locations, government agencies, businesses, property owners, workers and community resources. The Commission was nominated for the award by the location team from “One Battle After Another.”

The evening marked a double victory for the film. Location professionals Michael Glaser, Michael Wesley and Rich Heichel also received the award for Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary Feature Film. Together, the two honors recognized both the creative work of the film’s location team and the local support that helped bring the production to life.

“We congratulate Michael Glaser, Michael Wesley, Rich Heichel and the entire location team on their well deserved win,” Hesseltine said. “We are deeply grateful that they trusted us, brought this remarkable production to our region and nominated our office for this honor.”

“This award belongs to our entire region,” Hesseltine continued. “It belongs to our Deputy Director, Anibal Polanco, our Board of Directors, our volunteers, local governments, businesses, property owners, residents and everyone who welcomes filmmakers and helps make productions possible here. We may be a small film office serving a rural community, but this recognition proves that the work we do and the extraordinary landscapes and people of Humboldt and Del Norte counties can stand alongside those found anywhere in the world.”

The LMGI Awards celebrate outstanding creative contributions by location professionals in film, television and commercials, as well as film commissions that provide exceptional service to the production industry.

For the Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission, the award represents more than the success of one production. It recognizes years of work promoting the region, supporting responsible filming and building an industry that creates economic, educational and cultural opportunities for the rural communities of California’s North Coast.

“This is one of the greatest honors of my career,” Hesseltine added. “For our little corner of the world to receive this kind of international recognition is incredibly meaningful. We are proud, grateful and ready for the next production.”

The Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission is a program of Redwood Region Entertainment and Education Liaisons, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting film production throughout Humboldt and Del Norte counties. The Commission provides free assistance to filmmakers while working to create economic, educational and cultural opportunities for the communities of California’s Redwood Coast. For more information, visit hdnfc.org.